Sgt. Ari Joshua Weiss of the Nahal Brigade was just three weeks short of his 22nd birthday when he was shot and killed by Palestinian terrorists on Monday.

Two weeks ago, a photograph of a bright, young soldier appeared in the Jerusalem Post alongside an article about how his mother, with the assistance of some generous strangers, had helped to feed him and his 34 comrades serving in Nablus.
Yesterday, that same soldier's photograph graced the front page, albeit in far more heartrending and painful circumstances.

Sgt. Ari Joshua Weiss of the Nahal Brigade was just three weeks short of his 22nd birthday when he was shot and killed by Palestinian terrorists on Monday during a fierce gun battle in Nablus. Another soldier, Shai Haim, was badly wounded in the exchange of fire. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility.

Weiss, whose father Rabbi Stewart Weiss is director of the Jewish Outreach Center of Ra'anana and a Jerusalem Post columnist, made aliya with his family from Dallas, Texas, a decade ago. Weiss is survived by his parents, five siblings, and his maternal grandparents, both of whom are Holocaust survivors.

Any time that a young life is snuffed out in the line of duty is, of course, a cause for inconsolable grief, something with which this country has become all too familiar these past two years.

While parents elsewhere are accustomed to seeing their children off to college or a career at 18, Israeli mothers and fathers must send their young men and women off to a war that was forced upon them.

But Weiss' untimely death in uniform carries with it an additional component, one that many of us often do not sufficiently appreciate the enormous sacrifice that immigrants have made in helping to build and defend this land.

Like so many other Western immigrants, the Weiss family left behind the comforts and familiarity of their birthplace. They packed their belongings, left their families, and set out to live their dream: to build the State of Israel.

It wasn't long before they rose to prominence in the Ra'anana community, delivering food to the needy, organizing classes and seminars, or assisting other new immigrants in overcoming the challenges of absorption and acculturation. Rabbi Weiss, together with his wife Susie, strove to enrich the society around them, whether by bringing guest speakers of national renown to lecture, or by offering pre-holiday educational programs.

But, like other immigrants, the Weisses brought more than just their own talents and energies to this country. They brought their family, and their future, with them as well. Despite the risks, and irrespective of the difficulties, they chose to make this their home, and there was nothing which made them prouder than to see their eldest son don the uniform of the IDF, the Jewish people's army.

Like any native-born couple, the Weiss family lived with the daily worries and fears, listening intently to the news, and praying for the safety and well-being of their son and his comrades. But whereas for many parents, army service is part of the standard track to adulthood, for the Weiss family, and other immigrants like them, it embodies far more. It is part of the process of becoming truly Israeli, and of fully participating in the various joys and sorrows that come with it.

In a column which appeared on April 14, Rabbi Weiss poignantly captured these feelings when he wrote about his childhood friend, Rabbi Aryeh Weiss of Kiryat Arba, whose son had been killed in action: "With each day's new list of victims, we hold our breath as we hear the latest casualty reports. Will we recognize the name? Will the attack have been on a bus route we frequent? Will the soldier hail from our town? For those of us with boys in the army, we grip the wheel a little tighter, and perk our ears up each hour on the hour."

"Each time a soldier breathes his last," Rabbi Weiss noted in conclusion, "each time a hero is slain in the noble war against terror, a little bit of each of us dies with him."

The same can be said for Ari Weiss, his beloved son. He died a hero's death, defending his people and his land. And along with him, a little bit of each of us died too. May his memory be for a blessing.

A selfless friend to all those he met
By Ze'ev Bielski, the mayor of Ra'anana

On Tuesday, with pain in our hearts and tears in our eyes, we accompanied your son, grandson, and brother Ari on his final journey, 10 years after you made aliya from Dallas in the US.

I, who was born here, never had the opportunity to make that choice. It was always obvious to me that this is my country and my homeland. You made aliya out of choice.

But you didn't just come to live here. As soon as you arrived in Ra'anana, you began making a contribution to the community. Rabbi Weiss, your work in outreach and strengthening Jewish traditions has brought a new spirit to Ra'anana.

Ari was just 21 when he fell a wonderful son who loved and cherished his family, a true, loyal, and selfless friend to all those he met at school, yeshiva, and the army. A man who lived according to the values of Torah and Eretz Yisrael, always ready to help others, to stay on the base on Shabbat and festivals so that others could go home.

Succot was a happy time for Ari, as he was able to spend time with his grandparents, Andor and Leah Klein, who came from America to be with the family. He was already planning his post-army trip with friends to the States to visit his grandparents only nine months and 22 days left...

Just two weeks ago, Ari's smiling face shone out of the pages of The Jerusalem Post. At his side were his mother Susie, younger brother Yedidya, and youngest sister Ayelet. I read the article with admiration. I read about Ari, who filled his pockets with a halla and candies and a mahzor for the Rosh Hashana stakeout in Nablus. I read about Susie, who found a way to sweeten his unit's stay on the front line. In an operation that took several hours, she managed to enlist the help of several businesses in Ra'anana to provide Ari and his fellow soldiers with generous quantities of food and drink.

The ways of Hashem are hidden, and not one of us from the thousands of people present at the funeral from Ra'anana and beyond has the answer to the difficult questions we carry in our heart. But I feel stronger when I witness the faith that strengthens you and your family. Susie and Stewart, I stand before you and your wonderful family with my head bowed. Your son Ari fell for Kiddush Hashem. The war against our enemies is not over. Unfortunately, our neighbors have not yet recognized that we have come here to build a home for us and future generations.
We, the descendants of Holocaust survivors, try to hold on to this small piece of land, the only land we have, the Land of Israel. And you, dear family, have given the most precious gift of all for the sake of the people of Israel.

May Ari's name be a blessing.

A LETTER TO FRIENDS
By Ari Harrow

I sit down to write this, red-eyed, after another long day of tears. Today I buried one of my former campers. Ari Weiss z"l, a 22 year old Nachal soldier who made aliyah nine years ago, was shot and killed by terrorists while searching for weapons in Shechem. Ari was really a great guy. I can't think of a time that I spoke to Ari that he didn't have a smile on his face, good times and bad. As Ari outgrew camp, I still had the honor of bumping into him on numerous occasions, and was always met with a big hug and that smile.

Ari was the 13th person that I've buried this year. First it was my cousin, then my high school teacher, then a friend, then a neighbor. The list goes on, but now you can add a camper. When will this nightmare, that we in Israel have lived through these last two years, end?

At the funeral, Ari's father and brother both spoke about what an honor and a Kiddush Hashem it was that Ari had died in protection of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The utter belief and true love for Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael that Ari exemplified in life and death, and that emanated from his family, was truly a source of strength for all those that know Ari and the Weiss family.

As I stood before Ari's grave, I could not believe that we were going through this again! Yehuda, Karen, Avraham, David, Rachel, Neriya, etc. And now Ari. How much of this can we take?

Then I think of all my friends living in Chutz La'aretz, living outside the Land of Israel, and I am truly comforted, for I am the lucky one. As Rabbi Weiss said, Ari had the HONOR of serving his people and his country, as did all the hundreds of other people who have fallen on our behalf over the past two years. The pain that I feel stems from my deep attachment to my people and my land. Every Jew killed here is a dagger in my heart, but it is a heart connected to a precious body.

Living in NY or LA, London or Rome, your worries might be easier to cope with, but by and large they are your worries alone, not those of your people.

Ari Weiss z"l loved the people of Israel and the Land of Israel, and was willing to sacrifice his life for it. The sacrifice involved in leaving the comforts of America for the honor of living in Israel amongst your people is miniscule in comparison.

Our people are being slaughtered on a daily basis. Is sending a check, going on a solidarity trip to Israel really enough? Is there more that could be done? May I make a radical suggestion? Make aliyah and join your people.

May Ari z"l's death be a wake up call to Jews around the world. It's time to come home. Hopefully this will then be the last death we have to bear.

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Visitor Comments: 21

(21)
Rabbi Shalem,
April 30, 2012 6:45 PM

Spooky foreshadowing-One of the best stories ever

Google "The Never Ending Story" By Stewart Weiss Jerusalem Post April 1996

(20)
daliya robson,
May 15, 2011 1:28 AM

http://www.aish.com/jw/id/48894232.html#comment-form

We are the chosen people and I ask chosen for what? May god help us all and blessings to the spirit of Ari and may his memories and soul sustain the emotional and spiritual strength of his beloved family.

(19)
Eilleen Eisenberg,
October 21, 2002 12:00 AM

I am sitting here at work reading these stories and I am heartbroken. I can't say that Ari was a good soul and a hero; he still is because his soul is still alive. I am so sorry for his family and his friends. I do have one thing to say; I cannot agree more that when we hear of one of the death of one of our Israeli soldiers, there is a part of us that dies as well. We are all one. To Ari and all of the other Israeli soldiers that were killed while defending our country from these heartless, sick terrorists... may Hashem bless your souls and you will forever be in our hearts.

(18)
Brandon Ward,
October 7, 2002 12:00 AM

First I apologize for the anger in this statement.However, I am so SICK of Jewish Children being murdered by those DAMNED people that I am just about to go crazy,seriously! I am really sick of it. Ari looked to be a handsome and good example of Jewish personage. We pray that his family will be able to rest and someday recover. Get the Arabs out of Israel NOW! It's the only way...........Brandon Ward U.S.A.

(17)
Elana Horwitz,
October 6, 2002 12:00 AM

We live two blocks away from the Weiss family in Raanana

and their home was packed during the shiva - I was there at 8:30 A.M. Rav Peretz, the city Rabbi, made a point of davening Shacharis there. It was so impressive as well that at the funeral, where close to 2000 people stood in the blazing sun for an hour and a half, scores of individual bottles of mineral water were set out among the graves, and army officials were responsibly encouraging people to drink.On a personal note, my father had purchased his set of four species for Succos at Rabbi Weiss' home just a couple of weeks ago. Ari was the one who warmly helped him choose each item. Ari was concerned that my uncle, who has Down Syndrome, feel comfortable with the lulav he was to purchase, and carefully helped him find the perfect one. On Monday, just hours before Ari was killed, I was talking to his mom Susie on the phone, asking for her help with a chessed. We mentioned how hot it still is in Israel and I said that now we're praying for rain. Susie said, "I don't want it to rain. I love waking up every day in Israel, knowing that it will be a sunny day!" May Klal Yisrael soon know only sunny days.

(16)
Denise Rootenberg,
October 5, 2002 12:00 AM

My favourite story - such a sad ending

I absolutely loved the story Ess Ess Mein Kind that appeared in the Jerusalem Post a few weeks back and sent it to so many people. It really demonstrated how good and caring Israelis are about their soldiers and the depths of a mother's love. I was devastated to log on last Tuesday and read about Ari's death. May all his family and friends be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

(15)
Duane Geyer,
October 5, 2002 12:00 AM

my saddness to Isreal's terrible loss

As an american who love's the jewish people, every time the news tells of the horrible attcks by the murdering Palestinian's i am brought to tear's for you have suffered more than words can know, just know that there are those of us that do not beleive the lies the arafat tells, her is a murder and i hope for the day when Isreal is at peace but please don't give in to there deception do not give them land is is yours and yours alone god gave it to you you shouldn't have to share it. Isreal bless you and thank you for being the bright light that you are you shine brightest amongst all the stars

(14)
Sharon Brand,
October 4, 2002 12:00 AM

Beautifully written article

I remember reading Susie Weiss' wonderful article in Hamodia about the way she organised food for Ari and others. It truly touched my heart. When I read of his death, I sat and cried. In this life we will never find answers to what is happening. My thoughts are with the Weiss family at this time. May G-d bless them and give them strength and courage.

(13)
Anonymous,
October 4, 2002 12:00 AM

To the family...

Hamakom Yinachem Eschem B'soch Shaar Avalai Tzion V'Yerushalayim - may you and Klal Yisrael know only simchas from now on.

(12)
Gibby (Rachelly),
October 4, 2002 12:00 AM

Although I had already heard of Ari's passing and was very upset by it, after having read this article I feel the loss much more. I pray that we all merit to see the maschiach in our days.

(11)
Ken Seegar,
October 4, 2002 12:00 AM

Our heart goes out to you

Our heart and our prayers go out to Rabbi Weiss and his family on the occasion of the untimely death of his son, Ari. May he know the resurrection of the righteous and be numbered with David and Joshua as a champion for Israel.
May G-d bring comfort to your family both in Israel and abroad.
And, if G-d wills it, may the senseless killing of young innocent lives come to an end in a Jerusalem Restored.
May the Moshiach come!

(10)
Hayley Becker,
October 4, 2002 12:00 AM

tear filled eyes from another "oleh hadash"

My deepest condolences to the Weiss family and my uttmost respect and love for Ari.
I am a 26 year old woman who made alliyah to Israel alone when I was Ari's age. My love, connection, and passion for our land of Israel is undying.
May Ari's courage and love for Israel live inside the hearts of all.

(9)
Debbie Hartman Dorenstreich,
October 4, 2002 12:00 AM

May Ari's soul be amongst the righteous

I am in tears reading about the active, brave life of such a hero. May G-d bless Ari's soul to be amongst the righteous and wishing Ari's entire family long lives. I only admire and respect all the young, brave soldiers and citizens of Israel all whose lives are on the front line protecting our beautiful country.

There ARE those who live outside of Israel, who continue to pray for, love and support Israel and her peoples, and are overwhelmingly grieved and sorrow, for every life that is lost, every death and injury.
Please, continue to get the truth out to us!!!

(7)
Lior Golan,
October 3, 2002 12:00 AM

may G-d give us strength to get up in the mornings.....

To the Weiss Family,
I offer you all I could give you, all you could use, You will never have your child back, i will never have my friend back. I mourn for him and all my other fellow Jews, i pray for strength so that we can all get up in the mornings and feel that life is worth living on. May no one of our brethens deaths be in vain, may Israel survive above all its enemies. May G-d protect the souls that have left our material world at the hands of unworthy beings. May we soon be with them in their peace and happiness. They will never be forgotten. Please G-d, appease our suffering.... protect your children, Am Yisrael.
Lior G.
(golanlior@yahoo.com)

(6)
C N C,
October 3, 2002 12:00 AM

This article wakes us up to try and think how we have to change after hearing any piece of news. Thank you very much.

(5)
Micehlle,
October 3, 2002 12:00 AM

What a beautiful& sad story. I am glad to be home now in eretz Israel; and may I echo what has been said. Now is the time that we come home.

(4)
Nechama Haber,
October 2, 2002 12:00 AM

We dedicated our Torah class today in his memory.

I knew Ari when he was a little boy here in Dallas. His family was really missed when they made Aliyah. May blessings return to their home soon. N.H.

(3)
Manuel,
October 2, 2002 12:00 AM

And now this death will be published ?

I guess CNN and affiliate networks will neither make a comment about Air Weiss nor show the image of a wounded soldier

The world is against us, I mean Israel and the Jews

(2)
Menashe Kaltmann,
October 2, 2002 12:00 AM

Your grieve is also our grieve

We who live here in Australia fellow Jews would like to extend our sincere condolences on hearing the terrible passing of Ari Yehoshua Weiss.
Your grieve is also our grieve.
"HaMakom Yenachem Eschem Mitok Avlei Tzion Ve Yerushalim"
Family Menashe Kaltmann

(1)
David Bender,
October 2, 2002 12:00 AM

JPost Radio interview with article's author

The death of IDF Sgt. Ari Weiss, 22, of Ra'anana, at the hands of Palestinian gunmen in Nablus this week, underscores the connection between reporter and subject in Israel. Diaspora Affairs Editor Elli Wohlgelernter interviewed the US immigrant family three weeks prior to the tragic attack. He spoke of Ari and the family with JPost Radio's Dave Bender.

I've been striving to get more into spirituality. But it seems that every time I make some progress, I find myself slipping right back to where I started. I'm getting discouraged and feel like a failure. Can you help?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Spiritual slumps are a natural part of spiritual growth. There is a cycle that people go through when at times they feel closer to God and at times more distant. In the words of the Kabbalists, it is "two steps forward and one step back." So although you feel you are slipping, know that this is a natural process. The main thing is to look at your overall progress (over months or years) and be able to see how far you've come!

This is actually God's ingenious way of motivating us further. The sages compare this to teaching a baby how to walk. When the parent is holding on, the baby shrieks with delight and is under the illusion that he knows how to walk. Yet suddenly, when the parent lets go, the child panics, wobbles and may even fall.

At such times when we feel spiritually "down," that is often because God is letting go, giving us the great gift of independence. In some ways, these are the times when we can actually grow the most. For if we can move ourselves just a little bit forward, we truly acquire a level of sanctity that is ours forever.

Here is a practical tool to help pull you out of the doldrums. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about a great principle in spiritual growth: "The external awakens the internal." This means that although we may not experience immediate feelings of closeness to God, eventually, by continuing to conduct ourselves in such a manner, this physical behavior will have an impact on our spiritual selves and will help us succeed. (A similar idea is discussed by psychologists who say: "Smile and you will feel happy.")

That is the power of Torah commandments. Even if we may not feel like giving charity or praying at this particular moment, by having a "mitzvah" obligation to do so, we are in a framework to become inspired. At that point we can infuse that act of charity or prayer with all the meaning and lift it can provide. But if we'd wait until being inspired, we might be waiting a very long time.

May the Almighty bless you with the clarity to see your progress, and may you do so with joy.

In 1940, a boatload 1,600 Jewish immigrants fleeing Hitler's ovens was denied entry into the port of Haifa; the British deported them to the island of Mauritius. At the time, the British had acceded to Arab demands and restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The urgent plight of European Jewry generated an "illegal" immigration movement, but the British were vigilant in denying entry. Some ships, such as the Struma, sunk and their hundreds of passengers killed.

If you seize too much, you are left with nothing. If you take less, you may retain it (Rosh Hashanah 4b).

Sometimes our appetites are insatiable; more accurately, we act as though they were insatiable. The Midrash states that a person may never be satisfied. "If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If he gets two hundred, he wants four hundred" (Koheles Rabbah 1:34). How often have we seen people whose insatiable desire for material wealth resulted in their losing everything, much like the gambler whose constant urge to win results in total loss.

People's bodies are finite, and their actual needs are limited. The endless pursuit for more wealth than they can use is nothing more than an elusive belief that they can live forever (Psalms 49:10).

The one part of us which is indeed infinite is our neshamah (soul), which, being of Divine origin, can crave and achieve infinity and eternity, and such craving is characteristic of spiritual growth.

How strange that we tend to give the body much more than it can possibly handle, and the neshamah so much less than it needs!